Audubon group director will present program

Audubon of Kansas executive director Ron Klataske will present a program titled “Kansas Birding and Prairie Flora Trails” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Douglas County Senior Center, 745 Vt.

Klataske’s appearance coincides with the monthly meeting of the Jayhawk Audubon Society. The free program is open to the public.

Rape suspect makes first court appearance

A 19-year-old Lawrence man appeared before a judge Monday on charges that he raped and beat a 28-year-old Lawrence woman.

Douglas County District Judge Pro Tem Peggy Kittel set the man’s bond at $75,000 and assigned his case to Judge Michael Malone. His next court appearance will be Wednesday.

The suspect faces charges of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated battery.

The incident allegedly occurred on private property in northwest Lawrence between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Friday.

The suspect and victim did not know each other but had apparently seen each other briefly Thursday night, Lawrence Police said. The suspect was arrested Friday.